Background and aims: Staphylococcus aureus and anaerobic gram-positive cocci, are medically the most important species in the genus Staphylococcus. Sometimes, the bacteria are called S. aureus. The constantly growing antibiotic-resistant bacterium is very important in treatments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of ethanol extract from Citrullus colocynthis against the S. aureus resistant to antibiotics. Methods: S. aureus strains were isolated from the city of Zabol and C.colocynthis extract was prepared using rotary Department of Biology, Payame noor University, Tehran, Iran devices and the MIC and MBC were determined by microdilution method. Results: The results of this study showed that the extract from C. colocynthis inhibits the growth of bacteria in different concentrations, and that despite the relative strength of most species with different concentrations, the highest sensitivity was observed in concentrations of 10 and 20 mg/ml, in which is 100% bacteria were gone. C. colocynthis extract at a concentration of approximately 5 mg /ml had the highest inhibitory effect. Conclusion: The results showed high antimicrobial effects of ethanol extract of C. colocynthis, which can offer appropriate drug therapy.

Background and aims: This study investigates the kinetics of inhibitory activities of ethyl acetate leaf fraction of Lecanodiscus cupanoides on 𝛼-amylase and 𝛼-glucosidase. Methods: This was done using 𝛼-amylase and 𝛼-glucosidase enzymes from Aspergillus oryzae and Saccharomyces cerevisiae respectively, active component and antioxidants capabilities of the fraction were also analyzed. Results: The fraction scavenged DPPH, OH*, and ABTS+ and chelated Fe2+ with the IC50 values of 0.46, 0.70, 0.75 and 0.97 mg/mL respectively. However, significant and mild inhibitory effect was also observed in 𝛼- amylase and glucosidase with IC50 values (0.73 and 0.58 mg/mL) in concentration dependent pattern. Kinetic analysis of the fraction revealed an uncompetitive and non-competitive mode of inhibition for 𝛼-amylase and 𝛼-glucosidase respectively. Conclusion: This study suggests that ethylacetate fraction of this plant possesses antidiabetic property as a result of its ability to inhibit the metabolism of carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes. The elicited activities of the ethyl acetate fraction Lecanodiscus cupanoides may be due to the presence of phytochemicals of utmost pharmacological importance present in the fraction.

Background and aims: PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is the most common endocrine and metabolic disorder characterized by amenorrhea, hyper androgens, hirsutism, chronic anovulation and infertility. The aim of the present study was determining the effects of ginger extract, and 6-gingerol on hormonal levels and ovarian follicles in induced PCOS rats, and comparing the ameliorating effects of these two substances for treatment of PCOS. Methods: In this experimental research, 42 adult female Wistar rats weighting between 160 g-180 g were divided into six groups of 7 animals. PCOS control that received no injection. PCOS received intraperitoneal injections of 100 mg/kg of ginger extract (for 28 days). Statistical analyses with SPSS, one-way ANOVA, T-test and Duncan test were used to compare groups. Results: In comparison with PCOS control, the treatment of PCOS rats with ginger extract (100 and 200 mg/kg) and 6-gingerol (200 and 400 µg/kg) led to significant decrease in LH levels. There was a decrease in FSH levels, but the significant one was only in the 6-gingerol treated group (400 µg/kg). In PCOS treated groups with ginger extract and 6-gingerol, the serum levels of estradiol decreased significantly compared to control and PCOS control groups (P<0.001). Progesterone levels in PCOS groups injected with ginger extract and 6-gingerol showed a significant increase (P<0.05). In PCOS treated groups with ginger extract and 6-gingerol, testosterone levels decreased significantly (P<0.001, P<0.01, P<0.05). Conclusion: 6-gingerol and ginger extract may be a useful treatment for improving the PCOS through reduction of estrogen, testosterone, LH and FSH, and improvement of ovulation. In fact, because of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of ginger components, especially 6-gingerol, they can cause to improve PCOS.

Background and aims: The genus Artemisia is one of the largest and most widely distributed of the nearly 100 genera in the tribe Anthemideae of the Asteraceae (Compositae). 34 species of Artemisia have been reported in Iran. Several secondary metabolites characterize the chemical composition of the genus Artemisia. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate phytochemical Characteristics of Artemisia persica Boiss collected from the farm and natural habitat of Ilam. Methods: The aerial parts of plants were collected from farm and Kabirkooh Mountain. After extraction of Artemisinin, the analysis was performed with an HPLC system. Extraction of essential oil was done by distilled hydro. Phytocomponents identified in Artemisia persica Boiss essential oils by GC/MS system. Results: The essential oil yield was reported in Kabirkooh Mountain and farm 0.92% and 0.6%, respectively. The major oil compounds of Artemisia persica Boiss collected samples were included: α-Pinene, 1,8-Cineole, (Z)-Sabinene hydrate, (E)-Pinocarveol, Pinocarvone, Artedouglasia oxide C, Laciniata furanone E, Artedouglasia oxide D, Artedouglasia oxide B. The Artemisinin was 2.7 ppm in the Kabirkooh Mountain sample. However the Farm sample had 1.5 ppm. Conclusions: To achieve the appropriate level of the target compounds, it is important to consider an appropriate place for sampling.